Trinidad government criticized for its lack of commitment to HIV/AIDS NGO

Chairman of the Board of Community Action Resource of (CARe), Dale Enoch has strongly criticized the Trinidad and Tobago Government led by PM Kamla Persad Bissessar as having a disinterested approach to funding the organization’s programmes to assist those living with HIV/AIDS in the twin-island republic.

Enoch claims that he has made multiple requests for a release of funding in accordance with the Government’s 2014 Social Sector Investment Programme which constitutes part of the national budget allocated to NGOs.

However, Enoch says that the organization has been receiving contradictory reports as to when the NGO will receive the funding.

“Government cannot be serious about its commitment to dealing with HIV, yet deny funding to an organisation that is doing the work and making the difference for so many years,” Enoch said.

The organization has been in existence for 25 years and as part of its core mission, has been working with those living with HIV to improve their lives and give them the necessary social support.

“We barely manage to keep our doors open through the goodwill of members and private individuals, so that we could fulfil our obligations to external agencies to continue existing projects, and provide a space for persons living with and affected by HIV to access much needed psychosocial support,” Enoch added.

In his statement, Enoch also pointed out that the then Minister Dr Glen Ramadarsingh gave him and the NGO his assurances that the matter would be addressed but the Minister has since been removed. Since then, the new Minister has not responded to Enoch’s calls to release funding. Enoch further stated that the organization was in compliance and its accounts were in order having had two audits carried out on its operations.

The organization’s mission is to empower those living with HIV/AIDS and to provide support services so that its constituents can live more enriched lives.